Jeff had his first chemo infusion today @ UCLA. It was Oxaliplatin. He will take the Xeloda pills tonight with dinner. It has only been a couple of hours since the infusion and no side effects yet but I understand it is still pretty early. We are watching him closely, especially because he doesn't usually complain about anything (except LA traffic getting home from Santa Monica at rush hour).

We have arranged for a consultative opinion with Dr. Rick Selby at USC within the next couple of weeks. We are trying to get the OK through insurance. We are also trying to make sure that all of the records and testing information gets to his office. Thank you again, Mark and Jeannemarie for your encouraging story with respect to the USC surgery.

Jeff is also scheduled for an upper and lower GI (endoscopy) coming up in a week. I am dreading the procedure preparation for Jeff (having gone through that myself).

Dear Nancy and Bob, thanks for the update and so glad the first one is over. That was funny about the traffic comment! I just had a colonoscopy and endoscopy (other reasons) and it wasn't too bad. Yep the prep is yucky but its a one shot deal and best to have all bases covered. I know he will be wipred out in the best of terms! LOL You are handling this with great attitudes and that helps so much. Looking forward to hearing more. You are amazing parents to a courageous and awesome son!

Teddy ~In our hearts forever~ATTITUDE is EVERYTHINGAny suggestion I offer is intended as friendly advice based solely on my own experience. Please consult your doctor for professional guidance.

Thanks for letting us know about Jeff's chemo starting and I hope that it goes well for him with as few side effects as possible. I've never been to LA but I can imagine that the traffic would be a nightmare so a genuine reason for Jeff complaining me thinks!! Please keep us updated on how everything goes.

Best wishes to you all,

Gavin

Any advice or comments I give are based on personal experiences and knowledge and are my opinions only, they are not to be substituted for professional medical advice. Please seek professional advice from a qualified doctor or medical professional.

Praying for little to no side effects . I have taken the Oxilplatin and 5FU, which is infusion form of Xeloda and the side effects weren't bad at all. I was tired a lot and didn't have a great appetite, some nausea but nothing a little anti-nausea medicine couldn't handle. My hair thinned but I did not lose it. I thought Cleveland traffic was bad...I'm betting it is nothing compared to LA. Good luck with second opinion.Lisa

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I was delighted to hear how quickly things are moving forward for Jeff. It must be a relief that he is actually receiving treatment. My dad says that my own mother did not sleep a full night for weeks after diagnosis until I finally was approved for treatment. I hope Jeff responds well.

Ah yes, traffic in LA. I live about 85 miles east. When I was going to UCLA we would fight traffic for two hours just to get to LA, then have to proceed on to Westwood. The GPS would show just 19 miles to go to UCLA, but would estimate that it was going to take 55 minutes to get there. What!?

I was also glad to hear that you will be getting a second surgical opinion from Dr. Selby. He is creative with this disease, so we all hope that this might provide you with additional options. At the same time, given his attention to the individual patient and expertise, if he concurs with the UCLA surgeons, I think you would have a very strong confirmation and assurance that you are taking the best path forward for Jeff.

Thanks again for keeping us all posted. We'll be waiting to hear more about Jeff's progress.

Bob and Nancy...thanks for keeping us informed. Know that tons of good wishes are heading Jeff's and your way. Prepping for an endoscopy is not very high on my wish list either. Can't wait to hear that everything went o.k. Hugs,Marion

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